Safely savor summer foods

 A lot of people enjoy outdoor barbecues in the summer. From grilled chicken to s’mores, we can cook many things outside while enjoying the nice weather. However, we want to be safe from fires and ensure our food is fully cooked.

Check the temperature 

Thermometers are not just for people who are sick or have a fever. They can be used for food, too, especially meat. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) color is never reliable to ensure your food is thoroughly cooked. Using a food thermometer ensures fully cooked food. This includes frozen food with labels such as “cook and serve,” “ready to cook” and “oven ready.” Below is a list of grilled foods that need to be cooked to a specific temperature to ensure they are safe to eat.

• Cook poultry (whole or ground) to 165 F.
• Cook beef, pork, lamb and veal steaks, chops and roasts to 145 F.
• Cook ground beef, pork, lamb and veal to 160 F.
• Cook egg dishes to 160 F.
• Cook fish to 145 F.
• For safety and quality, allow meat to rest for at least three minutes before carving or consuming.

One-hour rule 

Most of us have heard of the five-second rule. What does the one-hour rule mean when it comes to food? The one-hour rule is when the temperature outside rises to 90 F or higher. According to the USDA, foods such as meat, poultry, dips, cold salads or cut fruits or vegetables are safe to sit at the table for an hour. After an hour, harmful bacteria may start to grow, which can lead to foodborne illnesses.

Remember to keep your cold foods cold and hot foods hot so you and your family can enjoy many backyard barbecues this summer.